So far, the state has tested over 350 wells, mostly within a 1.5 mile radius of the Saint-Gobain performance plastics plant. Of those, 52 private wells have tested above the state’s threshold of concern: which is 100 parts per trillion of the contaminant. The well with the highest concentration came in at 1600 parts per trillion. So far, these wells are located in Merrimack and Litchfield, with one Manchester well testing above the threshold.

All residents of Merrimack and Litchfield living within the current 1-mile investigation radius who get their water from private drinking water wells now qualify to receive bottled water. A set of additional neighborhoods also qualify.

Soil testing at properties like schools and playgrounds near Saint-Gobain will be conducted next week.

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In 2002, the Saint-Gobain performance plastics plant in Merrimack doubled in size. That growth happened when the company decided to close its plant in Bennington, Vt., and move those operations to Merrimack, N.H.